19/06/22 – Daniel 8:8-14
Daniel 8:8 – Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.
waxed very great – grew exceedingly great.
when he was strong, the great horn was broken – This is Alexander the Great who built a massive empire in just 13 years after he took over the throne of Macedonia of Greece at age 20 (and died at 33). He died undefeated in any battle at the height of his conquests. His death, while the cause is disputed, possibly from disease and/or alcohol, was not due to any military activity. Even today he is acknowledged by many as the greatest army tactician the world has seen. In terms of successful worldly dominion he is probably unrivalled; thus his horn was exceedingly great in size and was broken when he was at the height of his worldly dominion authority.
for it came up four notable ones – After Alexander’s death, some efforts were made to establish his son (born just after his death) on the throne, but after a few years, it was four of Alexander’s generals who eventually divided the kingdom up into four with each taking one of the new kingdoms. These four generals were also declared “notable” (conspicuous; outstanding) but were clearly not as notable as Alexander on his own.
toward the four winds of heaven – Toward the four different directions of wind, such as north, south, east and west.
Persia (today’s Iran) itself was in the centre of the vast empire left by Alexander. The four kingdoms that arose were:
(a) Macedonia and Greece (ruled by Cassander). This is considered as the eastern kingdom.
(b) Thrace and Bithynia (ruled by Lysimachus). Covering much of today’s Turkey, this is considered to be the northern kingdom.
(c) Syria, Babylonia and other eastern countries (ruled by Seleucus). The eastern kingdom.
(d) Egypt (ruled by Ptolemy). The southern kingdom.
Thus Alexander’s empire was broken up into 4 smaller kingdoms, representing the four winds of heaven in terms of directions.
Daniel 8:9 – And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant [land].
out of one of them came forth a little horn – A little horn came up (or grew) from one of the four horns of Vs 8 above. These four horns were the four kingdoms that came from the breaking up of Alexander the Great’s empire. The largest of these kingdoms was the Seleucid empire, and the “little horn” here was Antiochus IV Epiphanes who was the 8th ruler of this kingdom.
little – insignificant; little; a small thing. Antiochus was not a born leader, but instead a dictator who used both bribery and brutal force to get what he wanted.
waxed exceeding great – grew abundantly; excessively; excellently great. This is a different phrase to the “waxed very great”) of Vs 8 above. It possibly has the idea of someone insignificant trying to prove that he is not so insignificant, perhaps from having low self-esteem. This represents Antiochus IV Epiphanes where “Epiphanes” means “manifested as a god” or “the glorious illustrious one”, titles that would seek to elevate him above the level of common man. He liked to portray himself as Zeus.
“Antiochus IV's religious zeal for Zeus, of whom he believed himself to be a 'manifestation,' resulted in the desecration of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and in what was a reign of terror for Jews who refused to comply with his policy of Hellenization.” (New World Encyclopedia)
Many of his day called him Antiochus Epimanes, which means “the mad (insane) one”. He was a little man trying to act big. This would make him strive to look big, an attention-seeker.
Thus “waxed exceeding great” is more likely to apply to his actions than to him as an individual. He was a “little man” trying to attempt great exploits in order to try to get the adulation and praise he thought he so richly deserved from those around him. But, instead of praise, he was declared mad!
It is unlikely that such an insignificant person (“a little horn”) would grow great as a man with authority, so this should be read as: “He grew exceedingly magnified” toward the south (Egypt) and toward the east, and also toward the pleasant land (which would be Israel – see Jeremiah 3:19).” That is, in order to build up his self-image, he acted like he was an important man, instead of the insignificant worm that he really was. Like most dictators, he tried to use force to control what he was unable to rule by sovereignty. Most dictators act as they do because of low self-esteem, trying to bolster their self-image by force. They know they are insignificant and try to overcome this by brutal control. They use force to overcome their lack of sovereignty. This is true of all bullies.
From the context, it would seem that most
of his problems were spiritual and therefore Israel would be a target for such
people. We read later on (in Daniel 8:24) that “… his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power:
and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall
destroy the mighty and the holy people.” His power was not his own, but
from another source. Clearly, this other power was greatly opposed to Israel,
that country being made a particular target by Antiochus; this power therefore
could be none other than satan.
Daniel 8:10 – And it waxed
great, [even] to the host of heaven; and it cast down [some] of
the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.
The little horn (Antiochus) especially tried to demonstrate his superiority against those Jews who seemed to have too much of a mind of their own. Antiochus was the manifestation of Zeus and therefore greater than the God of these Jews! It was unthinkable that Zeus should be put down by the Jew’s God!
the host of heaven – This would refer to the Jews, particularly those who desired the proper worship of God, notably, priests and temple workers. Note the use of the same word “host” in the following:
Numbers 4:3 – From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.
Likewise “the stars” would also refer to God’s people, especially those in leadership or authority. Note Joseph’s dream where his 11 brothers were pictured as stars (Genesis 37:9).
Also Daniel 12:3 – And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
it cast down [some] of the host and of the stars to the ground – God’s people (especially priests and temple workers but also including other leaders in Jerusalem) were persecuted, and removed from their positions, and imprisoned and/or executed if they rebelled. They were literally treated like dirt.
While Antiochus generally permitted the nations some freedom of worship, he tried to force the Jews to forsake their worship of God, and instead worship Zeus as the Greeks did. He banned their religious activities, including circumcision ceremonies, replaced the high priest with one of his own choosing, executed many Jews who dared to oppose his laws forbidding proper worship, and even sacrificed a pig on an altar set up in the temple to worship Zeus.
“Having thus made Jerusalem a Greek colony, the king's attention was next turned to the destruction of the national religion. A royal decree proclaimed the abolition of the Jewish mode of worship; Sabbaths and festivals were not to be observed; circumcision was not to be performed; the sacred books were to be surrendered and the Jews were compelled to offer sacrifices to the idols that had been erected.” (Jewish Encyclopedia)
and stamped on them – and trampled on them. It wasn’t enough to just defeat God’s servants; Antiochus was determined to destroy God’s people.
“An officer, Apollonius, was sent through the country with an armed troop, commissioned to slay and destroy. He first entered Jerusalem amicably; then suddenly turning upon the defenseless city, he murdered, plundered, and burnt through its length and breadth. The men were butchered, women and children sold into slavery, and in order to give permanence to the work of desolation, the walls and numerous houses were torn down.” (Jewish Encyclopedia)
Daniel 8:11 – Yea, he magnified [himself] even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily [sacrifice] was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.
the prince of the host – This is not clear; even the LXX has some apparent confusion on this. It means either Antiochus opposed God Himself (as did the little horn of Ch.7) or that Antiochus used his power to remove the high priest, Onias. Logically, even if it were against the high priest, it would still be because the high priest was a servant of God. Therefore it makes sense to interpret the prince of the host as God.
The little horn (Antiochus) magnified himself (made himself great) against God by trying to belittle Him. He thought that by setting up his own opposing worship (of Zeus) and removing the servants of God, then this would get rid of God Himself. But not only did he remove all of God’s faithful temple workers, he removed (often imprisoning or executing) many others in Jerusalem. His reasoning was probably that if you remove the servants of God plus strongly persuade (through brutal persecution) the citizens to avoid worshipping God, you have proven yourself superior to their God, especially if you then replace that religion with one of your own (such as worshipping Zeus). However, as we shall see further on, it was this opposition to God and His people that finally brought Antiochus down. He might have been able to manipulate the religions of other nations but he took on too much when he opposed God, the prince of the host.
and by him the daily [sacrifice] was taken away – The daily sacrifice referred to the daily worship as required by God.
Exodus 29:38-39 – 38Now this [is that] which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually. 39The one lamb thou shalt offer in the morning; and the other lamb thou shalt offer at even:
Antiochus made it illegal to sacrifice to God, instead forcing the Jews to sacrifice to other gods (especially Zeus) on the temple altar. He also removed all their temple worship implements, much of which was made of gold, for his personal gain.
the place of his sanctuary was cast down – Antiochus removed all their temple implements, mainly to sell for the gold in them, but also to prevent them from making use of them in their daily worship in the temple.
“He entered the Temple precincts, not out of curiosity, but to plunder the treasury, and carried away valuable utensils, such as the golden candlestick upon the altar and the showbread table, likewise of gold.” (Jewish Encyclopedia)
Daniel 8:12 – And an host was given [him] against the daily [sacrifice] by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.
an host – This is the same word used for “host” in Vs 10 above, but the word “host” (tsaba’) can also mean “army”. tsaba’ is translated “host” in Genesis 21:32 (… then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host …) but “army” in Genesis 26:26 (… and Phichol the chief captain of his army …).
In Vs 12 above it could be (not necessarily so, though) interpreted as those of the Jews who were willing to take the place of the temple workers and serve Zeus as required by Antiochus; that is, Antiochus replaced “the host of heaven” (the temple priests and workers) with mercenary Jews who preferred to serve Antiochus rather than seek the approval of God. However, it is more likely to mean that Antiochus had an army put in place to brutally enforce his laws concerning sacrifices in the temple.
by reason of transgression – An army was given to Antiochus to oppose those who disobeyed him regarding the daily sacrifices.
In 167 BC Antiochus ordered an official to demand that the temple priests offer sacrifices to Greek gods. One of the priests, Mattathias, was ordered to carry out the false sacrifices. He refused, and then killed the Jew who stepped forward to carry out the order. He also killed the official who ordered the false sacrifice. He then fled with his 5 sons into the wilderness of Judea where he commenced a revolt against the rule of Antiochus. One of his sons was Judas Maccabeus, with the uprising known as the Maccabean Revolt. Antiochus sent a small army which was defeated. Another larger army was also defeated. In fact, Antiochus was unable to overcome this uprising. He had tried to enforce false sacrifices upon the Jews and when they disobeyed his demands, he used his armies to ensure their obedient submission.
it cast down the truth to the ground – The biggest casualty of this enforcing of false sacrifices is the truth of God’s word, and so when God’s word is denied, the truth is a major casualty.
it practised, and prospered – the opposition to the worship of God was very effectively put into action, and such action made progress; it was successful (at least for a while anyway – see Vss 13-14 below). True worship of God was devastated; the use of force was effective and successful.
Daniel 8:13 – Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain [saint] which spake, How long [shall be] the vision [concerning] the daily [sacrifice], and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?
saint – holy one; a person or angel set apart for service to God; sacred. All genuine servants of God are saints, including Christians. It is likely to refer to an angel here.
One angel asks a second angel such as the following:
How long does the vision allow concerning the daily sacrifices? How long does the vision allow this transgression (rebellion) causing desolation to continue? How long will the sanctuary (of the temple) and the host (those who serve in the temple) be trampled underfoot? (Hebrews 10:29 – Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?)
“How long will this sacrilege be carried out in God’s temple and on His people?”
Daniel 8:14 – And he (the 2nd angel) said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.
two thousand and three hundred days – literally “two thousand evenings (and) mornings” (Note the same phrase is translated “the evening and the morning” in Daniel 8:26.)
This would refer to the evening and morning sacrifices as required by Exodus 29:38-39 – 38Now this [is that] which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually. 39The one lamb thou shalt offer in the morning; and the other lamb thou shalt offer at even:
Note “and by him the daily [sacrifice] was taken away” (see Vs 11 above) – The daily sacrifice referred to the daily worship as required by God.
Therefore this does not represent 2300 days, but 2300 sacrifices, two per day as required by their Law, thus 1150 days of the transgression. With 360 days in the Jewish year, this represents a bit over 3 years. Some have tried to tie the 2300 days in with the seven years of the great tribulation, but that would mean 2520 days, not 2300. Or if it is read as 1150 days, some will try to make that into the 3½ year point (half of the final 7 years according to Daniel 9:24-27). But that also doesn’t fit in here.
Also, in the interpretation given later on, the same terms for “evening” and “morning” are used, rather than “days” as in Vs 13 above. “And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told [is] true” (Daniel 8:26) The question must be asked: Why is this phrase translated “days” in Vs 13 above, yet “the evening and the morning” in Daniel 8:26? Note that “days”in Vs 14 above is not yowm, but 2 words: ‘ereb + boqer which translates literally “evening-mornings”. Thus, 2300 evening-mornings or actually 1150 days with 2 sacrifices each day!
“In 168 B.C.E. or 169 B.C.E. Antiochus marched to Jerusalem, slew Jason (last of the Zadokite High Priests) and dedicated the Temple to Zeus, erecting an image of Zeus in his own likeness on the altar, and, according to some sources, sacrificed a pig in the Temple. This is known to Jews as the 'great desecration' or 'abomination of desecration'” (New World Encyclopedia)
The Maccabean Revolt began in 165 BC.
“The revolt began in the year 165 B.C.E. when Mattathias, a priest, first killed a fellow priest who a Greek official had ordered to perform a pagan sacrifice in the Temple. Mattathias fled Jerusalem with his five sons (known as the Maccabees) where, joined by many pious Jews hasidim, he started a guerrilla war against the Seleucids. The war continued … until 164 B.C.E. when Jerusalem was taken, the Temple restored ….” (New World Encyclopedia)
The temple sanctuary was cleansed at this time and restored to the proper worship of God according to their Law.
Antiochus also died in 164 BC, independently of these activities.
The 2300 days (or rather, 1150 days of false sacrifices) would cover the time between Antiochus desecrating the temple in about 168 BC (this date is unsure) and the re-taking of the temple in 164 BC.
sanctuary – the holiness of God’s temple, the place of sacrifice, including the Holy of Holies.
cleansed – literally “put right” or “made right”; justified. It means to be put back the way it was to begin with (properly), thus cleansed (sanctified) as it had been from the time the temple had been put into use.
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